Artwork

Sculpture - Architectural Details - Cornice of the Temple of Concord on the Clivus Capitolinus, now in the Tabularium.

Sculpture - Architectural Details - Cornice of the Temple of Concord on the Clivus Capitolinus, now in the Tabularium., by John Henry Parker, photographic, 1868
Sculpture - Architectural Details - Cornice of the Temple of Concord on the Clivus Capitolinus, now in the Tabularium., by John Henry Parker, photographic, 1868

Sculpture - Architectural Details - Cornice of the Temple of Concord on the Clivus Capitolinus, now in the Tabularium. is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist John Henry Parker. It dates from 1868 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This photograph captures the intricately carved cornice of the Temple of Concord, originally situated on the Clivus Capitolinus and now preserved in the Tabularium. The image is part of a comprehensive photographic survey of Roman monuments conducted between 1867 and 1870.

Subject & Meaning

The cornice, with its layered design featuring arches, leaf and flower patterns, and columns, suggests grandeur and elegance, indicative of its origins as part of a significant architectural structure.

Technique & Style

The photograph, set against a dark background to accentuate details, employs a style that emphasizes clarity and documentation over artistic interpretation, characteristic of architectural photography of the time. Note: The initial description mistakenly associates the work with Impressionism, which is incorrect for this type of photography.

History & Provenance

Created under John Henry Parker’s direction as part of a large-scale project (1867-1870) involving multiple photographers, the image is part of a collection exceeding 3,300 photographs, with a portion housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Context

The photograph is contextualized within a broader 19th-century effort to systematically document classical to 17th-century European architecture, reflecting a growing interest in historical preservation and academic study.

Artist & collection

Artist

John Henry Parker

John Henry Parker liked to explore old churches in Rome. He'd photograph the sculptures and carvings he found. One thing that stands out is his attention to detail - he'd capture tiny parts of bigger pieces, like the…